iLASIK FAQs

iLASIK is performed with anesthetic eye drops which make the procedure virtually painless. There is no sensation of anything touching the eye. Some patients may feel a slight sensation of pressure on their lids but they do not describe it as painful.

How much pain will there be after iLASIK?

After the anesthetic drops wear off, patients usually describe approximately 6 to 12 hours of mild discomfort, scratchiness, watering, light sensitivity and a sensation of something in their eyes. It is rare for a patient to need anything more than a mild over-the-counter pain reliever and many patients need nothing at all. The procedure itself heals very quickly with any discomfort subsiding within 24-48 hours.

My eyes are very sensitive and I have difficulty tolerating anything near my eye, how can I have iLASIK?

Most people choose to take an oral sedative for relaxation. A gentle lid holder is used to prevent blinking. A light inside the laser provides a target to focus on during the entire procedure. Even the most sensitive patients are able to have iLASIK in Corpus Christi, TX.

Are both eyes done at one time?

Yes, unless a patient specifically chooses to have one eye done at a time. Most patients want to have their vision corrected with minimum travel and healing time; performing both eyes at once normally yields the most rapid visual recovery.

How long does the procedure take?

The entire procedure takes 15-20 minutes to complete both eyes. The actual laser exposure time is typically less than 30 seconds per eye.

When can I go back to work?

Depending on your occupation, some patients may return to work within 24-48 hours.

When will I be able to see after iLASIK?

Typically, patients are able to see immediately after the procedure; however, vision will be foggy for the first several hours. Vision will normally improve for the first 24 hours and most, but not all, patients are able to drive the first morning after their procedure.

How long will it take for my vision to gain maximum improvement?

Nearly all patients have recovered vision enough to work and resume all normal activities within 48 to 96 hours. The quality of your vision will usually improve over a period of weeks and months.

Am I going to get 20/20 vision?

A high percentage of patients achieve 20/20 vision from iLASIK, and nearly all patients achieve 20/40 vision, the level of vision needed to drive without correction. Patients who expect to have 20/20 vision from the procedure and who would be unhappy with anything less are best advised not to have iLASIK. No one can guarantee a 20/20 result.

Is iLASIK permanent?

If your prescription is stable, it is believed that the results of your procedure will be permanent. The very first patient who had Laser Vision Correction over a decade ago is reported to still have 20/20 vision.

Are there possible complications of iLASIK?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and complications which may occur in iLASIK. Serious sight threatening complications are rare. Every patient will receive an extensive informed consent before they receive iLASIK. iLASIK risks can include:

Need for glasses or contacts

Dry eye syndrome

Starbursts

Halos

Vision loss

Need for retouch or enhancement

Will reading glasses be needed after the procedure?

If reading glasses are not required before the procedure, a full correction with iLASIK will not cause you to wear them. However, as a result of the normal aging process of the eye, reading glasses are normally needed by age 45 due to a condition called presbyopia. If you currently wear bifocal glasses or reading glasses over your contacts, you may be a candidate for monovision, which leaves one eye slightly nearsighted so that reading glasses may not be required.

What activity restrictions are there after the procedure?

Patients should not rub their eyes or swim underwater for two weeks after the procedure. Normal activities may be resumed the first day after the procedure including golf, or other exercise.

Please Note: The answers to these questions are based upon our past experience in uncomplicated iLASIK procedures at South Texas Eye Consultants. Individual results, responses and experiences may vary. Past results are not a guarantee of future results. Please be sure that all of your questions have been answered before considering iLASIK.